Symmonds, who dedicated his silver medal in the 800 meters at the World Championships in Moscow to his gay and lesbian friends to as a protest against new Russian laws, said Brooks is a better fit for his sensibilities.

"I'm a champion for athletes' rights," Symmonds told Runner's World. "The way that Nike is currently writing their contracts, I think, pretty much strips the athletes of all their rights, their ability to market themselves to potential other sponsors. The reduction clauses that they had were harsh and unnecessary."

But during his time as a Nike athlete, Symmonds also had some fun with the concept of running naked, so it is interesting to note that he chose the same theme theme to publicize his departure from the company.